Mission

Participating in God's ongoing mission in the world, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is a community of Christ joining in the Spirit's work of forming and equipping people for ministries familiar and yet to unfold and communities present and yet to be gathered.

In the Way of Jesus

Since 1794 Pittsburgh Theological Seminary has been preparing students in the way of Jesus. We welcome neighbors; share meals, differences, and experiences; expand our minds; and expect to be challenged by the broad range of beliefs we bring to the table.

Academic Rigor

The established academic rigor of more than 200 years of theological education, and the depth and diversity of our faculty, ensure our student community learns, grows, and flourishes on a path to practical ministry. Our students prepare to engage in God's work with parishes, nonprofits, and institutions specific to their call.

Service to the Church and Community

From our extensive theological library, archaeological museum, and printed and digital publications, to welcoming participation in our robust continuing education program, mission-related opportunities, and youth ministry institute, the Seminary models what it means to be a valuable resource for the church and the world.

Support Theological Education

When you give to Pittsburgh Seminary, you invest in men and women who, in and out of the classroom, are preparing to participate with Christ in the transformative work of gospel ministry around the globe—whether in traditional church settings, entrepreneurial church plants, or missional initiatives. Your giving supports student scholarships, faculty development, educational programs such as the World Mission Initiative, Church Planting Initiative, and Metro-Urban Institute, and much more.

Say Hello

Apply for a Trip

World Mission Initiative is committed to offering intercultural, experiential learning opportunities for students and congregation mission leaders to help shape the ways that they engage in God’s mission.

The World Mission Initiative offers a number of ways for congregations, students, and others to get involved in what God's doing in the world. Whether it's a short-term mission trip, evaluating your church's mission program, or financially supporting WMI's mission, we encourage you to get involved!

Open to PTS students, local pastors, and church mission leaders, our mission trips provide theological lessons and life-changing experiences. Many students believe that their experiences in cross-cultural mission will affect their ministry—whether in the church, the community, or the world!

WMI works to mobilize your mission ministry. Join us for our upcoming events, which include lectures by international mission leaders, a workshop to help you discern your call to mission, and our bi-annual conference, among others.

Students at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and other members of the Seminary or church community are welcome to apply for a PTS Intercultural Learning experience. We will travel to Indonesia, Colombia, and Southwest Florida in January, and to Netherlands and Peru in June. See Schedule of Events for dates.

The 2020 trip application period is Aug. 28-Oct. 9, 2019.

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, through the World Mission Initiative WMI, will place applicants, based on the stated preferences, the number of available spaces, and gender and racial/ethnic balance. Priority is given to first-time student applicants and then other PTS students. Your application is complete when you submit these three things:

Completed online application in the MyPTS portal. Students should log-in to apply. Non-students may also apply.

Non-refundable $200 deposit, which is applied to the balance of your trip cost. You can pay by check or cash in the WMI Office, or use the secure online payment form. Your deposit serves as your commitment to participate in the trip. If you decide not to participate in the trip after paying your deposit, you are financially responsible for ALL costs incurred toward your participation in the trip up to that point (including but not limited to airfare).

Mission Trip for Credit

Any PTS student planning to participate in an Intercultural Learning Trip for the first time is required to enroll in the Intercultural Experiential Learning (MI 310) course, which consists of 15 hours of pre-trip orientation (plus preparatory readings) and 15 hours of post-trip reflection and integration. Students will receive three credits. J-Term class registration is Oct. 27-29, 2019. Summer class registration is March 9, 2020. Previous student travelers who have completed the course are required to attend the Wednesday evening pre-trip and Monday evening post-trip classes.

Non-PTS students are invited to register for the course. The three credit are easily transferable to the Graduate Certificate in Missional Leadership. Non-registered applicants are required to complete five hours pre- and post-trip classroom time.